Change. The immediacy and unpredictability of global pediatric disease, along with the growing economic strain that continually threatens society's ability to support charitable and research organizations has demanded continued adaptability and innovation. That, along with EGPAF's ongoing pursuit of its mission statement, has been our goal. To find ways to ensure -our ability to recognize and impact, in innovative ways, the world of pediatric AIDS and other serious' and life-threatening pediatric diseases. To ensure not only that tangible results occur, but that hope and faith in our ability to work together, be together, will not die in the face of such huge and seemingly insurmountable problems. To ensure that our children have a future. A healthy future.

Together, we have touched innumerable lives. We have realized goals that many once said were unrealistic, even impossible. We have come to learn that. our survival and our ability to be effective is dependent on our ability to recognize change, be adaptable, and to set goals that may appear to be beyond our reach, all the while trying to remind ourselves that pursuing the "impossible," the "improbable," and the "extremely difficult," are the only ways that we can experience our strength, our faith, and our growth. What the Foundation has come to represent to the world is, in fact, our very life blood. It's not enough to say "why?" when we have the ability to say, "why not?"

You have heard our call, and you have stepped forward. That is a living gift we have given our children. In the six years of my tenure as Chairman, it is your support that has enabled us to grow this Foundation, to continually strive to ensure its ability to have a future. You have helped to expand our horizons, redefine the relevancy of FHV/AIDS research not only for itself, but also for what it can teach us about the entire world of pediatric disease. As a result, we will carry collaborative research to a new level where not only institutions will collaborate, but groups of institutions will one day do the same and a worldwide network of collaboration will be available to all.

It has been a tremendous honor to serve as the Chairman of this organization and to see firsthand how the tragedy that spawned the Foundation has given us all the opportunity to continuay rediscover our individual and communal strength. Along the way, I have had the privilege of working with some of the brightest and most dedicated people in the world. It is two of these individuals that I write to you about today.

It is my privilege to announce that Dr. David Kessler, former FDA Commissioner and dean of the Yale University School of Medicine, has assumed the role of Chairman of the Foundation's Board effective this month. A key member of the Board for the past three years, and a close friend and supporter from the earliest years of our work, Dr. Kessler is perfectly suited to lead the Foundation. At his side as Vice-Chair is Dr. Phillip Pizzo, dean of Stanford University School of Medicine.and a long-time Board member, who has worked closely with me. Indeed it was Phil who was responsible for helping to guide us through the birth of the Glaser Pediatric Research Network. The Foundation is fortunate to have two such accomplished and committed visionaries at its helm.

As honorary Chairman, I look forward to remaining a part of this Foundation. I am eager to continue working with David and Phil, all of the Board and staff of the Foundation and, perhaps most importantly, supporters like you, as we continue our critical work on behalf of children.

I also look forward to your continued presence as part of our family. Enough cannot be said for your support and unflagging faith in all of our ability to make a difference. It resonates like circular wavelets streaming outward from a center of the heart. Those wavelets touch all shores.

Thank you for continuing to be such an important part of that. May the new year be a blessed, peaceful and healthful one.